Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple OCEANOCEAN Volume 7, Issue 5 Path of Entrusting - Live the Teachings! May 2013 Gentle Grace Shared here in honor of Mother’s Day “Gentle Grace”—The remembrance printed in this issue was brought to the Ocean staff’s attention by a member of Kahului Hongwanji. Although we may not have known Mrs. Muranaka, she represents many women (and men) whom we ourselves know as role models inspiring us with their gentle, wise ways. Mrs. Muranaka’s story demonstrates the connections that can be made with other people when we feel and practice understanding and compassion. “Offer kind and warm words to others.” Matsuko Muranaka died on April 5, 2012, the same day as her son’s and my son’s birthday. She was 95 years old (September 9, 1916-April 5, 2012) and lived a full life. To everyone who knew her, Mrs. Muranaka was the gentlest and kindest person one could ever meet. She was an amazing cook and worked in the school cafeteria making cookies and desserts. We all remember the mouth watering pies and delicious shortbread cookies. Girls who worked in the cafeteria (all children worked in the cafeteria on a rotational assignment in those days) clamored to work with Mrs. Muranaka because she was so nice…and made the “ono stuff.” Her daughter, Ann, and I were classmates and reminiscing after the funeral, Ann shared this story. They lived next to Wahiawa Elementary School on Ridge Avenue. Her father and his mother and siblings had built their home without running hot water to save money. They had a “furo” in back and had to make a fire every day to heat the water. This was common in those days. Nearby, there were small apartments. One afternoon when Ann was around 8 years old, she heard a commotion in the back of their home. A young, tall, haole soldier was noticeably upset about something and was storming towards their house. Apparently, the smoke from the “furo” fire had ruined his wife’s freshly washed laundry hanging out to dry. Ann’s anxiety grew as she heard him running completely around the complex and stomping up the driveway. Ann was watching all of this occur and as a little girl, she was really scared. He started pounding on their door and Ann quickly ran to her mother, to tell her what was happening. Mrs. Muranaka calmly opened the front door, and listened to his tirade. When he finished, she quietly explained about the furo and said, “I’m so sorry for all the trouble we’ve caused you. Please let me redo your laundry.” The young man was completely stunned and disarmed by her simple act of humility and compassion. He mumbled about it being quite all right and promptly left for his house. Mrs. Muranaka turned and immediately went to her kitchen. She took out all of her cooking utensils and baking ingredients and immediately started baking. Upon completion, she packed up the cookies and pie, and carried them to the neighbor. You can imagine the surprised look on the young couple’s faces as they answered the door. Before them was a very slender, tiny Asian woman who bowed deeply and presented them with all of these warm, homemade good- ies. It was a beginning of a lasting relationship! Reverend Taitetsu Unno in “Gratitude: Its Source and Power” said: “Even though my life on the horizontal plane (everyday living) many never be truly fulfilled and eventually end in old age, illness, and death, as long as the vertical plane (moments of awakening) sustains me at every point in the course of life, I have arrived, I live in completeness.” I was so grateful for having heard that lesson in life about Mrs. Muranaka. I am also grateful to have known such a wonderful person…a true “Buddha” in our life! In gassho, Rod Moriyama Note: Rod Moriyama is Vice President of Wahiawa Hongwanji Board, facilitator for Strategic Planning with Honpa Hongwanji Mission, Editor of Hozo, a publication which is part of the Shin Buddhist Project, and contributor to Wahiawa Hongwanji’s news- letter. Thank you, Rod for allowing us to share your thoughts with our sangha. Volume 7, Issue 5 OCEAN Page 2 President’s Corner Anticipation! When we look forward to something positive that we think will happen any time now, the waiting can be spine tingly but a little stressful at the same time. It was at the end of May last year that Reverend Soga went to his new post at Hilo Betsuin. Kahului Hongwanji has gone through eleven months of keeping the temple open and viable for its members and for the community. This was made possible through Reverend Ai Hironaka’s dedication and caring as he jug- gled the schedules of two temples—Lahaina Hongwanji and Kahului Hongwanji. Now anticipation is no longer….anticipation has turned into actual happening……. In July, Kahului Hongwanji will enter into another phase of our second hundred years. Reverend Richard Tennes will be Kahului Hongwanji’s Resident Minister! Reverend Tennes has been a Minister for approximately six years at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin in Honolulu. He and his wife will be joining Kahului Hongwanji during the first week of July. More details will be forthcoming. Kahului Hongwanji will be planning a welcome event. Stay tuned to Ocean for details. The observant person will note that the altar looks different during certain services. The difference comes from the altar cloths that are used during the major services and during funerals. The white altar cloths are used for funerals and the more colorful altar cloths are used for the major services. The time has come when we need to pay attention to the condition of these all-important altar necessi- ties. Currently, Kahului Hongwanji has only one set of each and these two sets have seen their best days come and go. Collective memories are unable to pinpoint when the current altar cloths were acquired. We need to purchase a new set of white and a new set of major services altar cloths. The cost will be approximately $10,000 - 14,000. This cost depends upon the size of the cloths needed and the number of pieces that are necessary. Kahului Hongwanji’s altar is a smaller one that emphasizes simplicity. Still, the quality of embroidery and the durability of the altar cloths is what makes these items very costly. Dona- tions from organizations and individuals will be most welcome. If you would like to donate, you will be a part of a gift to Kahului Hongwanji that will last for many, many years! (If many people put in a few dol- lars each, a good part of the cost will quickly be raised.) ______________________________________________________________________________________ A quick dana story—Unknown donor(s) have left donations at the Shinran Shonin statue. On two occa- sions, members have found a few dollars left at the foot of the statue. We thank the person(s) who have found significance in this statue of Shinran Shonin. We are grateful that our temple has provided a connec- tion between you and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. In Gassho, Janet Volume 7, Issue 5 OCEAN Page 3 Mark Your Calendar! Mother’s Day Brunch at Kahului Hongwanji Service Responsibilities Sunday, May 12 May 5 Jr. YBA We welcome everyone to our an- May 12 Dharma School nual Mother’s Day Brunch after Mother’s Day Sunday service. RSVP to the tem- ple office (871-4732) by May 5. Please join us in honoring May 19 No service at KHM our mothers and grandmothers! Fujimatsuri at WHM May 26 BWA—Gotan-e Obon Dance Practice Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Hosha Kahului Community Center An nex Hosha means to give or to help as an Everyone welcome. No experience necessary. For in- expression of one’s gratitude. In the spirit formation please call Susan Emura at 871-7705. of hosha, let’s all consider working for the temple to be a privilege. Please come and help! Fujimatsuri Service May 4, 7:30 a.m. May 18, 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Window Cleaning— at Wailuku Hongwanji Dharma School The Maui Hongwanji Council’s Fujimatsuri (Wisteria Festival) celebration will be held at the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. Please contact the temple office (871- 4732) by May 12, if you plan to attend as a count for lunch Dates to Remember! is needed. May 5 Boy’s Day Gotan-e May 11 Maui Matsuri—KHM booth Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m. at Kahului Hongwanji May 12 Mother’s Day Brunch after Family Service at KHM Gotan-e commemorates the birth of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), the founder May 19 Fujimatsuri at WHM of Jodo Shinshu. We observe this day to raise awareness in the Nembutsu teaching, May 26 Gotan-e Service at KHM to pay tribute to our founder, and to take pride in the Bud- Dharma School Awards Day dhist heritage. Please join us! Volume 7, Issue 5 OCEAN Page 4 Volume 7, Issue 5 OCEAN Page 5 Volume 7, Issue 5 OCEAN Page 6 Graduates’ Lunch—Sunday, June 9, 2013 Kahului Hongwanji Ohana will recognize the 2013 high school graduates during a family service and luncheon. The graduates are invited to attend Sunday service on June 9 at 9 a.m. to share their personal reflections and plans for the future. This year’s Class of 2013 graduates are Mareena Hutchison, Brad Nakagawa, Lynd- sey Miyamoto, and Reece Yokote. Please call the temple office with the names of graduates whom we may have overlooked.